Fecal donors to stem Swedes' diarrhoea woes ( a practice relatively common in the US)

Fecal donors to stem Swedes' diarrhoea woes

A Swedish hospital has launched a drive to collect donations of human faeces in order to treat patients with chronic cases of diarrhoea, a practice relatively common in the US and elsewhere.

Swedes travel more than ever and many spend their winters in countries such as Thailand and India where stomach upsets are a common travellers' complaint.

"I had to take super duper strength antibiotics to kill a parasite I'd brought home from India," Elizabeth, 32, who did not want to use her surname, told The Local.

"The nurse warned me that it could take up to two years to rebuild my gut flora, and frankly, I've never been the same since. It's better, but not great," she added.

The use of faeces from a healthy donor to assist a sickly patient is common practice in the US and other countries and treatment typically involves a relative as donor. Elizabeth however told The Local that lifestyle issues and social stigma meant she was unable to approach a family member.

http://www.thelocal.se/49090/20130716/